SUN Tech and CMAVTS Provide Quality Career Technical Education in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania has two high-quality options for career-technical education. SUN Area Technical Institute (SUN Tech) and Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School (CMAVTS) both prepare the next generation of students for successful careers while offering adult education programs.

“These institutions have inspiring learning environments for students that not only prepare them to enter career fields but make them excited to do so,” says Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director of DRIVE. “We’re confident in any company’s ability to find employees in Central Pennsylvania because of the education provided by these schools.”

Learn more about both SUN Tech and CMAVTS and the programs they offer. Discover why they are such strong assets to their students and the community at large. 

SUN Tech Provides Multiple Options for Career Immersion 

High school students can apply to SUN Tech and attend classes in the fall of their senior year. There are a limited number of slots across the 19 programs offered by this school.

“All 19 programs are audited and vetted by the Commonwealth,” says David Bacher, administrator at SUN Tech. “Besides teaching real-world, hands-on pertinent skills, students can also receive college credit through articulation agreements and dual enrollment opportunities.”

During their time at SUN Tech, students can participate in one or more programs that are meant to immerse them in various local industries. Here are their three options.  

• Job Shadowing: Students watch what employees do and use this time to get a feel for the workplace. They are not there to displace another worker. Job shadowing opportunities typically last one or two days.
• Internship: Students work alongside someone, complete hands-on tasks, and show off what they learned. Some independent work can be assigned. Internships can be paid or unpaid and typically last up to two weeks.
• Co-op Program: Students can work 4-5 days a week for full days. This is basically an employment opportunity where students are assigned independent tasks and are paid like regular employees. Oftentimes, the Co-op Program leads to an offer of full-time employment.

Each program is unique and SUN Tech strives to get students out of the classroom and into the workplace.

“You learn by doing,” says Bacher. “Our philosophy is to engage students in live work as often as possible. Students will work with the actual technology, on the actual vehicles, and on the actual systems that they will see in their workplace.”

Sun-Tech Understands That Students Will Grow

While there is definitely a focus on giving students hands-on experience in their desired field, Bacher and his team understand that students might not stay in their specific field throughout their lives. This is why SUN Tech also incorporates soft-skills development into its programs.  

“There are so many intangible skills you learn working in an atmosphere like SUN Tech,” says Bacher. “There’s so much value in teamwork, mechanical reasoning, applying math to the real world, and general knowledge gained that students can apply wherever life takes them.”  

SUN Tech also prepares students for college. Attendance at this institution is not meant to be a terminal degree, but rather the start of students' learning and career paths. They can get hands-on experience that can help them through theory-based discussions in the next classroom. Additionally, every program at SUN Tech offers dual enrollment or articulated credit opportunities through a host of colleges and Universities throughout the Commonwealth.

For adult education, SUN Tech offers daytime courses, online classes, and customized training to assist local businesses. Its adult offerings are just as comprehensive as its high school coursework. 

CMAVTS Supports Students From Six School Districts

While SUN Tech provides an immersive experience during senior year, CMAVTS is a comprehensive high school that supports grades 9-12. Students can apply to the school from six different school districts in the region and will still have a traditional education experience. There are sports teams, clubs, and groups like the National Honor Society (NHS).

CMATVS supports around 630 students who choose from 17 different CTE programs. Along with choosing their desired career path, students take traditional academic classes that qualify them to attend college when they graduate.

“It’s so different from a public school because the kids want to be here,” says Tracy Harter, Adult Education Coordinator at CMATVS. “They have to apply and it’s a privilege to get in. They want to get an education and have a good career. The atmosphere is different.”

Harter uses the culinary career path as an example. The students were so proud to open the cafe in recent weeks and are thrilled to serve their peers, teachers, and the general public. They have turned their coursework into a practical application. 

CMAVTS Also Provides Quality Adult Education

After students leave for the day, the adults arrive. Adult education classes occur on nights and weekends and are short-term programs that are designed to provide training in key areas and certifications that adults can use to further their careers. Many adult students find CMAVTS through CareerLink or hear about the education programs through their employers.

Harter says there is a waiting list for some programs and encourages students to enroll early. Here are a few current adult education training programs this organization offers.

• Medical billing and coding: Students can enroll in Ed2Go to complete their certification. This is an in-demand program for employees in local hospitals.
• Adult nurse aide training program: This WIOA-approved course runs 120 hours and prepares students to enter the nursing field. 
• PA Safety Inspection Mechanic: CMAVTS worked closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) to certify mechanics to conduct the PA Vehicle Inspection.
• ServSafe certification: Every restaurant needs at least one ServSafe-certified employee. 
• Air conditioning and refrigeration: Students can work on commercial and residential HVAC and refrigeration systems. This class includes the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. 
• Welding: Students can learn this skill in a 30-hour class.

These are just a few of the programs available and are not a comprehensive list. Interested parties can learn more by reading the CMAVTS schedule. 

SUN Tech and CMAVTS Are Invaluable Community Resources

SUN Tech and CMAVTS are preparing the next generation of Central Pennsylvania students for the workforce while showing them opportunities to stay locally. When students see that their dream careers are in their backyard, they are more likely to live here after they graduate. These groups also have valuable adult education resources to help companies find qualified talent with the right certifications.

When you move to Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union County, you can find graduates and programs from SUN Tech and CMAVTS. Your employees are ready to work and have the skills they need. Learn more about our region and why it’s poised for growth.